LIFO Test: Identify Work Style in Normal Situations and Under Pressure

Psychometric tests are one of the most widely used tools in the recruitment process. They help to make a diagnosis and identify the candidate's skills, attitudes and values in order to assess their suitability for the proposed position. They are divided into groups according to the specific characteristics being assessed.

Next, we will look at one variation of this type of test, the LIFO test.

The word LIFO is derived from the combination of "LIFE" and "ORIENTATION", referring to direction in matters such as lifestyles and work.

Style is evident in a person's behavior, which in turn is determined by thoughts and interests. We define behavior as our "response to our environment", and style is the way we respond to that environment.

LIFO shows a person's preferences and orientations (most likely and least likely) in everyday situations and in relation to stress.

What is the purpose of the LIFO test?

The main purpose of the LIFO test is to understand people's work style in normal situations and under stressful conditions, to guide us on the strengths and weaknesses of the person being assessed in teamwork and leadership settings. The test is used as a starting point with people, especially at a senior level (project director, manager or supervisor).

It provides the opportunity to identify the strengths and talents of those assessed and how they apply them in their everyday work tasks. It shows how people can increase their personal effectiveness by controlling and managing their vital functions. It facilitates the use and application of this talent management in building work teams or projects, team project solutions, and work planning and distribution.

Which leadership styles does the LIFO test assess, and in what situations are they assessed?

LIFO does not suggest that one leadership style is better than another; instead, it prioritizes each one depending on each candidate's preferences and helps identify what type of leadership your job offer requires. As mentioned above, the test identifies the direct links between these styles and the different work situations that may arise, risk situations and cooperation with colleagues.

At Evalart we have a test used in recruitment processes to establish the leadership style present in each candidate.

The LIFO test is related to the following 4 leadership styles or work orientations present in those assessed:

• Gives and Supports: Their style is based on sensitivity to the needs of others; the pursuit of excellence and high ideals are their basic orientations, and their integrity and seriousness will be appreciated as they seek to obtain good results. Their goal is to be seen as a sensitive and valuable person.

• Takes and Controls: Their main role is to make things happen. This type of person really makes things happen and needs to convince others of their ability to consistently achieve their goals. Their goal is to be seen as an active and competent individual.

• Maintains and Conserves: Their basic orientation with this style is to carefully and rationally protect what they already have and to use existing resources to build on the past; they try to make the most of resources for a purpose, and being systematic and organized is their priority. Their goal is to be seen as objective and rational.

• Adapts and Negotiates: Their basic tendency is to be sensitive and to adapt to the wishes and needs of others. By pleasing others and meeting their needs first, they will eventually find fulfillment of their own aspirations. Their goal is to be loved and accepted by other people.

In addition, the test makes it possible to analyze the behavior of the person assessed under the following conditions:

• Normal (or favorable) conditions: These situations occur every day without causing any stress or tension. They can be situations in their daily life.

• Stressful (or adverse) conditions: These situations can cause stress or heightened arousal. They are usually driven by some internal or external factor that leads them to do something outside their daily routine.

Undoubtedly, a company will face stressful situations in which it needs someone who can handle them without endangering work systems or people. That is why LIFO uses psychometric tests to find people with leadership skills that match your company's needs, selecting the most suitable people for the different tasks that may arise within a company.